US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive at Oslo International Airport, Gardermoen, Norway Thursday Dec. 10, 2009 where he will receive his Nobel Peace Prize medal. (AP Photo/Scanpix/Heiko Junge)

(Newser)
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Obama's motorcade arrived at Oslo's high-rise government complex to a few dozen anti-war protesters gathered behind wire fences nearby. Obama's first stop was the Norwegian Nobel Institute, where the Nobel committee meets to decide who gets the prestigious prize. After signing the guest book at the Institute with a lengthy passage, Obama told reporters he had penned thanks to the committee members and noted the pictures of former winners filling the wall, saying that many gave "voice to the voiceless."

In the evening, Obama is expected to wave to a torchlight procession from his hotel balcony and stroll with Norwegian royalty to a dinner banquet. He will offer comments a second time there and cap his jaunt to Europe—Obama is due back in Washington by midday tomorrow. Obama's quick stopover miffed some in Norway, but reflects a White House that sees little value in trumpeting an honor for peace just nine days after Obama announced he was sending more troops to war.

Marine One with President Barack Obama aboard, taxis as he arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Barack Obama signs a book as first lady Michelle Obama, right, and others look on during a Nobel Signing Ceremony at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

US president Barack Obama, seated, signs a book as first lady Michelle Obama, behind, and others look on during a Nobel Signing Ceremony at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Scanpix/Photo Terje Bendiksby, Pool)

Barack Obama and his wife Michelle pose with, from left, Queen Sonja, King Harald, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, when they were received at the Royal Palace in Oslo.. (AP Photo/Lise Aserud, Scanpix Norway, pool)

An installation with pictures of Barack Obama, right, and 1964 Nobel peace laureate Martin Luther King is seen in the Nobel Field at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, Dec. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/John McConnico)

Your truly a racist individual Cher. How actually is a President being awarded anything an embarrassment to the country. Look past the color of his skin, otherwise you'll have plenty to explain when you meet your maker soon day

Kenja

Dec 14, 2009 6:29 AM CST

That is not only an ignroant remark Cher, it out-right racist. ASl of a sudden all of you right wing nutcases are coming out saying they want their country back, but just don;t have the nreve to say you don't want a black president leading the country. The proof is in the pudding, the guy took office and three weeks late every GOP member was whinning and complaining, yet they evidently had no problems in the eight years the Republicans were in office. The fact you have to refer to the President by his middle name only reflects how racist you are, as if jusy saying his middle name will inflame you further.

Altoecko

Dec 11, 2009 5:10 AM CST

Don't just make so many broad assumptions, He's donating all $1.6 Million to charity. I don't think he should have accepted the prize either, but whatever they gave it it to him and he's accepting, let's hope he brings about peace. He's not the only president to accept a peace prize and led an army in war just so you know.